What is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month?

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood sugar, and when levels remain high for long periods, the tiny blood vessels in the eyes can become damaged. This damage raises the risk of several serious eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma. Without early treatment, these conditions can cause blurred or distorted vision and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) develops when chronic high blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the macula—the part of the retina that controls central, detailed vision. As the macula swells, straight lines may appear wavy, colors can seem faded, and activities like reading or recognizing faces may become difficult.

DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, though the likelihood increases as the disease progresses and blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure remain uncontrolled. Without prompt care, DME can cause permanent central vision loss.

Cataracts

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, reducing the clarity and brightness of your vision. While cataracts are often age-related, individuals with diabetes are more prone to developing them earlier and more severely.

Elevated blood sugar can change the lens’s structure, leading to swelling and cloudiness. Common symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, glare from lights, dull color perception, and trouble seeing at night. Managing blood sugar levels and scheduling regular eye exams can help slow cataract formation and preserve visual clarity.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—the connection between your eye and brain. People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma, particularly open-angle glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma, a more advanced form linked to abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris and drainage angle.

Because glaucoma often develops silently, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Vision loss begins with the peripheral (side) vision and progresses gradually. Routine comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment to prevent lasting vision damage.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes—and a leading cause of vision loss in adults. The condition occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak, swell, or close off. Over time, this can impair sight, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial to preserving vision.

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest stage of the disease. At this point, the retinal blood vessels weaken and may leak small amounts of fluid or blood, causing swelling that distorts vision. Yellowish deposits called exudates may also form on the retina. NPDR can range from mild to severe, depending on the level of vessel damage.

Treatment typically focuses on maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Your EyeDoctors Optometrists provider may recommend more frequent eye exams and imaging tests to monitor progression. If macular swelling occurs, treatments such as anti-VEGF injections, steroid drops, or laser therapy can help reduce fluid and protect central vision.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

As diabetic retinopathy advances, it may progress into Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), a more advanced stage where the retina starts to grow new, fragile blood vessels in response to oxygen loss. These abnormal vessels can leak blood into the vitreous gel, causing floaters or sudden vision changes. In some cases, scar tissue may form and pull on the retina, increasing the risk of retinal detachment.

Treatment for PDR focuses on halting new vessel growth and protecting remaining vision. Panretinal laser photocoagulation reduces the retina’s oxygen demand to prevent abnormal vessel formation, while anti-VEGF injections can block growth signals. In severe cases involving bleeding or retinal detachment, a vitrectomy surgery may be required to remove blood and stabilize the retina. With timely care, vision can often be preserved and further complications avoided.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease

While diabetes can raise the risk of vision problems, steady medical care and everyday habits can meaningfully protect your sight.

Control Blood Sugar

Keeping your glucose within the targets set by your healthcare provider is the most effective way to lower the risk of diabetes-related eye damage. Consistent control supports both ocular health and overall wellness.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Comprehensive, dilated eye exams help catch changes before they affect vision. At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, our clinicians use advanced imaging to monitor the retina and its tiny blood vessels for early signs of disease. Plan on an annual diabetic eye exam—or more frequent visits if recommended—to detect and treat issues promptly.

Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol can accelerate diabetic eye complications. Work with your care team on diet, activity, and medications to protect vascular health and keep vision stable.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Your daily choices matter. Prioritize a nutrient-dense diet with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, stay active, hydrate well, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. These steps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term visual health.